FAIRFAX, VA. MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2017 — Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday at 2:00 a.m. so turn the clocks ahead one hour. The American Red Cross reminds everyone it’s also a good timeto TEST the batteries in their smoke alarms as they TURN their clocks ahead an hour.

“When you turn your clocks ahead this weekend, it’s a great time to also test your smoke alarms,” said Linda Mathes, CEO, National Capital Region.“Take a few minutes to replace your smoke alarm batteries and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working.”

It’s also a good time for everyone to take these steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.

* Install smoke alarms. If someone doesn’t have smoke alarms, they should install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.

* Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.

* Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.

* Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.

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Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur.

Home Fire CampaignThe Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, launched in October 2014, is a multi-year nationwide initiative to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent. As of January 31, 2017, the Red Cross and its partners have helped to save at least 159 lives and installed more than 702,000 smoke alarms in 9,100 cities and towns nationwide.

For a list of smoke alarm installation events here in the National Capital Region, please visit our website.

The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its crucial mission. If someone would like to help, please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.

About the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region:The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; collects blood and blood products; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.org/dc or follow us on Twitter at@RedCrossNCR.